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Daily Ohio State journal (Columbus, Ohio : 1870), 1889-12-06

Daily Ohio State journal (Columbus, Ohio : 1870), 1889-12-06 page 1

J VOL. LU" NO. 292. COLUMBUS, FftlDAY MOENING. DFCEMBER 6. 1889. ESTABLISHED 1811. SMATEDBY SILCOTT. Tie Cashier ofSerireant-at-Arms Leedom of the National House of Representatives Skips the Tra La Le with Nearly 2,000 in Good Hard Dollars :'of This Realm. ' TS9fCld 5tory of Speculation, Fast LiTing and a Beautiful Wom- . . an the Causes. Silcott Drew the Money from Treasury Saturday and Left for Canada. the Eon. J. P. Leedom Kuined by the Defalcation and Has Notified His Bondsmen. The Question Sow is, "What Will Congressmen Do for Their Christinas Pin Money? Andt'lt Is 2fot Yet Known Upon . "Whom the Financial Burden Will FalL ; The Steal Was an Easy One to. Make and the Wonder is It - Came bo Late, X The" Friends of "Ed" Silcott in Adams County, 0., Surprised at His Downfall. , . E. WInship, the Predecessor of the Fugitive, Tells How the Scheme Worked. A Special Act of Congress Necessary to Provide Funds for the Use of Congress. 4 ' WiSHrilaTos, Dec. 5. Special Mr. C, EJSilcoit, cashier of the office ofSergeant-at-Arms Leedom, is a defaulter, and the amount stolen, so far as ascertained from the books of his office, is $71,859. Last Saturday, as is his usual custom at the close of each monUiwwent to the treasury and drew the money, and left immediately forSTew Tork. On Monday Mr. Leedom receired a telegram from New York saying that he would return that night, but no word has since been received frpni him. When the news was first announced to his son, the boy who is employed in the document room, he felt into convulsions. - Mr. Leedom was almost overcome by the news of his trusted employe's downfall and wept bitterly when speaking of the terrible affair. Silcott is a Democrat, an Ohio man and belongs in Adams county. The woman who is responsible for the trouble is one of the best known women in Washington. The fact that the new sergeant-at-arms of the house, ex-Congressman Holmes, has not qualified or takeu office is explained by the announcement today of the disappearance of Silcott. Mr. Holmes did not care to take the office until this matter had been investigated by the house. Silcott is a fat, thick-set man, with a very red face, and looks like a pork butcher. He wears a mustache and goatee, and is not particularly neat in his dress. He is about 50 years of age, and has a family, his wife living here. f Leedom, who is responsible for Silcott, is bonded for f 50,000, ex-Congressman Felton and David R. Page, late of Ohio but now of New York, being his sureties. Silcott said on Saturday after he left the Capitol, after the lie publican caucus, "The election of Reed will boom the Pacific Mail five points." It may be that he has put up government money on this point, for he was a heavy speculator and a great plunger horse racing. Yesterday Leedorn became suspicious and going to the treasury found a $60,000 check had been overdrawn. He then called on Silcott's wife and found that she did not know where her husband was and that she was penniless. Leedom has telegraphed to his bondsmen of the affair. The sergeant-at-arms thinks that Silcott is in Canada, for had he sailed for Europe he could be extradited. He has been an intimate friend of Leedom from boyhood. He once ran for the office of auditor of Adams county, O., and he kept a store in Youngsville. Silcott was also bonded for $50,000. Among his bondsmen are the following well-known citizens of Adams county, O W. A. Blair of lower house of Ohio legist latere; K. H. Ellison, a banker, who recently failed ; I. T. Wilson, anex-coneress-man; Samuel Drennau and William Mc-Cormick.The wildest rumors are afloat tonight concerning the defalcation insergeant-at-arms office. The Ohio members are all caught for at least a month's salary, and some for larger amounts. Ben Butter-worth had allowed $900 to accumulate in Silcott's hands and will probably lose it all, as he had signed receipts for the same! Grosvenor and Caldwell have given checks on the office and were hustling about this afternoon to protect their paper. The Post printed an extra edition at noon in which it charged Leedom with being a defaulter. He is very much exercised over the matter and talks of instituting proceedings for libel. Silcott's bond is for $50,000 and the majority of his sureties are residents of Adams" county. O. Among the other bondsmen are ex-Congressman Felton of California and Hon. David R. Paige of New York, who at one time represented the Akron district in congress and acted as one of the Payne managers in the senatorial contest of 1SS4. It was given out that the object of fcilcott's trip to New York was to see Paige and secure $10,000. which he was alleged to have borrowed for Xeedoni and which tne latter needed to make a settlement with his successor. An evening paper states Governor-elect Campbell is on t-ilcott s bond, but this is not believed by Campbell's friends. Among other rumors afloat, tonight was one to the effect that Senator Payne was on Siicott bond. The senator made a most emphatic denial to tbe State Joit.nai. correspondent, saying he was never asked to act m such capacity. Silcott has left his wife pern i leas anu iteart-broken. It has been devti.-oped since his flight that he kept a woman in most luxurious style, and it is thought she fled with him. as she can not be found in the city. . Associated Trcsm Account of the Steal. Washington, Dec. 5. From present ap-Jiearances C. Kdwsrd hifcott. cashier of the Muweaut-at-arms ui the house of repre sentatives, has fled, carrying off about $72,000 of the funds intrusted to his care, 'ihe history of tbe case as fat as it can be gathered at present is as follows : Silcott was a trusted employe who came here from Ohio and was appointed by Mr. Leedom whet: thai gentleman assumed otflce six years ago. He had good business qualifications and soon possessed himself of the unlimited confidence of his superior. Last Saturday he notiiied Mr. Leedom that he was going to New York and would be back Sunday night. A message was received from him dated New York Monday morning, saving that he had been detained but would return that night. A similar message reached his wife in this city. As he oid not appear Tuesday Mr. Leedom was fearful that he had been overtaken by some accident, but to satisfy rising suspicions bezan an investigation. The information that Silcott had drawn his bank balance deepened these suspicions, and tbe inquiry was pursued. Toe enormous office sale could not be opened at the moment, as Silcott had the combination, but when an entrance was finally efiected, it was found that some $:i,000 set apart for the use of the paving teller was intact. The next inquiry "was made at the Treasury department, and Mr. Leedom was (stunned by the result. He was informed that Silcott had called there Saturday and bad drawn about $72.-000. It was possible for him to draw this large sum without exciting comment, as he had for a long time been cbanged with tbe duty of collecting the money with which the salaries of the representatives are paid. ? Silcott is under bonds in tbe sum of $50,000, his sureties numbering about fifteen Eersons. This is, however, an indemnity ond given to the sergeaht-at-arms. and Mr. Leedom. who is himself bonded in the sum of $60,000, is directly responsible for the shortage. The first news of the state of affairs came ont just before the house met at noon today, and there was an exciting scene in tbe office of the sergeant-at-arms. Mr. Leedom, who was sitting in the rear of bis office, was surrounded by a number of members of tne bouse, who were tendering advice of all kinds. The most practical suggestion was adopted atonce by Mr. Leedom, who appeared to be completely unnerved and unable to act for himself, and telegrams were dispatched to his sureties, notifying them of Silcott's disappearance and expressing a willingness to co-operate fully in every effort to find him and secure the return of the missing funds. Outside tbe bank-like railing across the room stood an- L other crowd of members, evidently anx- iuus iuc tuvxnseivea, as wen as lor Mr. Leedom, as they put many queries as to -the anioont of money left in the safe and the prospects of getting their salaries. - Mr. Leedom says he would have trusted Silcott with any sum of money. He knew his brother well and believes that Silcott himself was entirely trustworthy. So firm was he in this belief that he had even hesitated to begin the investigation, which bas had such a disastrous conclusion, fearing that Silcott had been Bandbagged in New York or had been detained by some untoward happening. What to do next he does not yet -know, and is seeking advice. He was just about to turn over bis office to the newly-elected sergeant-at-arms, Mr. Holmes, but this event necessarily delays the transfer. Mr. Leedom says that it was within Silcott's power to have carried off not less than $U)C,000 instead of the $72,000 which is missing. It was suggested by a person standing near, that to have carried off the balance, would have changed the nature of the crime from embezzlement to theft, and have subjected the perpetrator to extradition even in Canada, whither, it is already rumored, the missing man has fled. This is on tne theory that Silcott was the custodian of the money drawer from the treasury for tbe payment of salaries, and mat ma retention ot mis money would constitute simple embezzlement, .while if he had taken the money in the paving teller's drawer of the safe, it would have been a direct theft. It is stated that Mr. Leedom was victimized once before by the immediate predecessor of Silcott, but to an amount insignificant in comparison with his present loss. During the afternoon the employes in the sergeant-at-arm's office were busy going over the books and accounts. A statement seenred from the treasury shows that last week Siicott in three days drew $133,-442 from tne department. The payments were as follows: November 27. $36,608; November 29, $36,206; November 3C, $60,-628; total $133,442. Out of this total a considerable sum was paid out to members, some money was turned over to the pavjng teller to meet current needs, and the exact balance missing, according to the books, is $71,859. But a number of representatives were in the habit of keeping individual depos.ts with the sergeant-at-arms, and in fact a general banking business was done in the office on a small scale. What these losses are has not been ascertained. Inquiry at some of the banks this afternoon develops the fact that Silcott paid $40,000 in notes at the National Metropolitan bank Saturday. There are also rumors that he overdrew his account elsewhere: but with their customary reserve, the banks fail to say anything in confirmation. The heavy total of notes paid above referred to goes to confirm stories that are afloat here of extraordinary living and rash speculation by tbe defaulter. Later information is to the effect that the paying teller's funds, although in the same sate where Silcott kept his money, were protected by a separate lock and steel door, which may explain their preservation. Mr. Leedom is reported as having said that tbe could raise about $22,000, which would leave a deficit of $49,860 to be made good by his bondsmen. It appears that the United States treasurer has repeatedly called attention in his annual reports to the necessity for the appointment oi a suitable disbursing officer by the house for the handling of its funds, and some heed is now likely to be paid to these recommendations. The present system, under which it was possible for a defalcation to happen, is as follows : '- The speaker certifies that a-member is entitled to $417 salary for a stated month. These certificates are signed by tbe members and given to the sergeant-at-arms, who collects the money from" the treasury, where tbe certificate is received as a receipt, and places it to the account of the members, t-iicott collected the money last week on a number of these certificates; the total was not beyond the orain&ry drafts, and he had been making the same collections for several years. What concerns . the members of the house most deeply just now is where the loss is to fall. Some of tbe ablest lawyers in the house (and particularly those members who have drawn all of their salary and have it in their pockets) are of opinion that in signing the certificates the "members have given a receipt to the treasury and released the government from liability, in which case they must look to Air. Leedom or his sureties for their money. Others the great majority who have not drawn their November salary, hold that, as the certificates were signed and presented before December 3, when tne salaries were due. the treasury must have taken notice of that fact and could not legally have paid the certilicatas. Meanwhile many of tne members will be, for a time at least, kept out of their November salaries, which, as Representative Butterworth says, is pretty hard, with Christmas so near at hand. The committee appointed today to look into the defalcation will meet tomorrow and benin its investiratron. Craven Edward Silcott came from Youngsville, O., where he has been a merchant for many years. Air. Leedom sa s that he seemed to have no more than tio ordinary man's share of vices, ond was one of the most economical men he ever saw. Persons who knew Silcott's habits, however, do not give him a good name. It is said that he was intimate with a disreputable woman going by the name of Louise Barrett, whom he had supported fir some time, and it was asserted that she was now bis companion. This latter statement is open to some question, as it is certain that the woman did not go away with Silcott, although it is true that 8'ie bas left tbe city. He also had the refutation of playing the races steadily and of lending money to his associates at the Capitol to back the horses. On Saturday last it was the gossip of the sergeant-at-arm's office that Silcott had won $2400 from the local bookmakers just beyond the city limits. Siicott leaves a wife and three children behind. The oldest is a married son 22 years of age, employed in the house document-room. Tee object of Silcott's visit to New York la.'t Saturday, it is said, was for thepur-p- a of collecting $12,000 fromex-Congressman Paige of Ohio, now living in New York, vhich amount Siicott bad loaned him out of the funds in his custody. It was necessary to have this money in order to heve the ck?h balance when turned over to the incoming sergeant-at-arms. A nuin ber of members made a practice of- using the office as a bank, and through courtesy this was permitted, although the sergeant-at-arms was under no obligations to allow this use to be made of his office. Among the members who lose personal de- iiositsare: Rife of Pennsylvania $2oO0, J. . Taylor of Ohio ?3000. ikluttile of Maine $1500, Bayne of Pennsylvania $1iXiO, Butterworth of Ohio i'duO. "Hermann of Oregon $:5U0, Pickler of North Dakota $600, Parnell of Nebraska $2100 and Owen ot Indiana $25. Nearly all tbe members lose some money on account of salary due them, but affairs are in so much contusion that a list oi tbe members and their losses can not be civ-en. Some members permitted their salaries to remain untouched for several months, and these are the greatest sufferers by the defalcation. Belden of New York loses his entire salary since March 4, about $i.40u. Some tew members made assurance doubly sure, however, and are indebted to the office, having overdrawn their accounts. Representative Turner of Kansas says that he was mistaken about seeing Silcott in the sergeant-at-arms' office Tuesday morning, that it was a case of mistaken identity. Speaking of the probability of the members of congress being out of pocket by the defalcation, Mr. Turner said that it would depend on whether the act creating the oftic made the sergeant-at-arms the government representative, or whether as seemed probable from the fact that the members signed authorizations, be was the representative of the members. In the first case the government and in the second, members them:eive would be losers. The law would have to be very clear and indisputable in support of the first proposition beiore he would vote for a resolution to reimburse himself and other members for tbe loss of their salaries. If Silcott has gone to Canada, as is generally assumed, this defalcation will give a most powerful impetus to tbe movement for an extradition treaty with Canada. - Mr. Leedom made the following statement tonight: "The committee upon the celebration of the inauguration, ot which Mr. Hiscock is chairman, was in my office on Wednesday about 3 :30 o'clock. While there Mr.. Ballentine, paying teller, called me aside and said: '1 am distressed. I believe something has bappeued to Mr. Silcott. I fear he may have been killed. Here is the combination that unlocks the sale.' "I told him that I knew nothing about the matter and asked him to unlock the safe and then be said we bad better wait until the committee should go out, which it did at 4 o'clock. I told the messenger to close the door and then Balicntine took the combination that Silcott had given him some fuur years ago, and as I was by his side he unlocked the safe after considerable trouble. Mr. Ballentine said he wanted me to count the money. The first packet I picked up was a package of $1 bills with a $100 bill on tbe back of it. The next was a similar package. That was a very unusual tl-mg. isaiu:, Uadeutine.-tlie jig is tip. Something is wrong.' We went through the work of examining the contents of the Bafe and found there was $3,400. He should have had in the safe $106,000. I toid Ballentine that was tte first intimation I had of anything wrong, and that we had better suspend criticism. 1 said we knew but little about the matter and that I wanted to go to tbe bank and see how much was there, thinking that perhaps Silcott had gone to tbe bank and deposited money to our credit. We closed up the sale and went to dinner, going back at 7 o'clock. We staid thereuntil 12 o'clock, but our minds were in no condition to deal in figures. Ballentine and I went away. At2:J0, having gone borne, I dressed myself and again went to the Capitol. Joe Dee, a policeman, was there and I asked him to go to my office. He asked me what the matter was and I told him I wanted to go over the bnoks and see if anything was wrong. That kept me from 3 until 5:30 o'clock, when I went to Representative Crisp's room at the Metropolitan hotel and told him tbe situation. I then went to Mr. White, cashier of the National Metropolitan bank, about 6 o'clock this morning.'' -The rest of the morning was consumed, according to Mr. Leedoui's statement, in calling on Mr. Carlisle, telegraphing to Mr. Felton, one of his bondsmen, and preparing a statement for Mr. Reed. The committee to investigate theser-geant-at-arms's office held a meeting at the Arlington hotel tonight and made arrangements to begin too investigation tomorrow morning in the public landscommittee-room. Investigation will be secret, for the present at least. The real name of Silcott's female companion is Louise Thiebault. She is a French Canadian, living in yuebec. Last Tuesday she told tbe woman of a bouse in which she had lived that Silcott bad asked her if she would come out and live with him after he. had got located in the West. She told him she would do so, but that she wanted to go home first. It is not believed that she knew of Siicott's "embezzlement, as she said nothing of it. ,fe MIcott's Home History. West Union. Dec. 5. (Special. Mr. C. E. Silcott, ceshierof tbe serjeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, was born in this, Adams county, about 52 years ago and has always resided in this county. He has been engaged in the mercantile" business for the post twenty years at Youngs-ville and has always had a good reputation as an honest and efficient business man throughout the country, it is a complete surprise and shock to the citizens wherever he is known. He has always enjoyed the confidence of his friends and neighbors and they would have trusted him to anything they had. He was appointed by Hon. J. P. Leedora as a partial reward for services to the Democratic party as a candidate for auditor of this county, in the race for which he almost bankrupted himself, but was defeated. Mrs. Silcott comes from on old Virginia family, which has always been considered among the best families of the country. Ed Silcott, as everybody calis him, has always been a genial neighbor and never turned his back on a friend in need, but has befriended many. His financial circumstances are not very good in this county at present and have not been for several years. How It Was Done. Circleviixe, O.. Dec. 5. Special. Mr. E. E. inship, cashier of the Second National bank, this city, who was Mr. Silcott's predecessor in the office of cashier of the sergeant-at-arms under Hon. John O. Thompson, was seen tonight concerning the defalcation. Explaining the methods or congressmen in drawing their salaries, he said : "The salaries of members of congress are drawn from the United States treasury by the sergeant-at-arms monthly upon the certificate or the clerk of the house during the vacation and by tbe speaker after one is ejected. Each certificate is also signed by the member and is for $417. Tbe salary is sent to each member by draft during tiie vacation if they request it, and when congress is in session tbe money is piaced to the credit of each member in the books of tne sergeant-at-arms and is subject to tbe check of the members. Silcott had access to it all. He was able at any time to embezzle thousands of dollars, as there was no check on his operations but his honesty.''Governor Hiil has refused to interfere in the case of John Oreenwald, under sentence of ucath in Brooklyn lor the murder of Lyman S. Weeks. HEWING TO THE LINE Senator Spooner Introduces a Bill Regarding the Conduct of , National Elections. Congress of Nations Proposed to Commemorate the Settlement of This Country. A Synopsis of a Number of Important Measures. Washington, Dec 5. Senator Spooler today introduced a bill declaring the chief supervisors of elections officers, of the circuit courts of the United States and charging them with the enforcement of the national election and naturalization laws, both, in person and through their subordinates the supervisors of election. It provides that wnenever a chief supervisor of election shall have received notice asking for the guarding or supervising of an election in any city having 20,000 inhabitants or upward, or wnenever the court shall be asked to permit an election to be scrutinized in any town having less that 20,0b0 people it sbail be tbe duty of the chief supervisor to prepare and present to the circuit court a petition setting forth the desire to have the election scrutinized, and a writ shall then be issued charging the supervisor and his subordinates with tbe duty of enforcing the United States election laws. This writ shali contain a warning to all persons, at their peril, neither to molest, hinder, assault, oelay, nor in any manner to interfere with tbe chief supervisor or any subordinate In the discharge of his duty. This writ is to be published at least twice before the day of election, in not exceeding two daily or weekly papers in the county in which is situated the place where the election is to be scrutinized. If at any federal election any person shall cause any breach of the peace, or use threats whereby any part of the election shall be impeded or hindered, or tbe lawful proceedings of the supervisors interfered with. he shall be liable to iustanl arrest and summary hearing as for contempt of court. Anv person found guilty may be punished by fine not exceeding 30u0 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both To Protect Onr heaports. Washington, Dec. 5. Senator Hale today introduced a bill to protect the rights and natural advantages of United States seaports and connecting railways. The bill provides that articles of merchandise grown and manufactured in the United Slates, and which are transported through any foreign country in bond for the purpose of reaching the United States, or for shipment to any foreign country, may enter the United States free of duty. Articles of merchandise manufactured in the United Slates and passing through Canada, may also pa.s again through the United States in bond free of duty, providing Buch articles are intended fur use in Canada, and not destined to foreign ports. Sucb ailicles, if transported across Canada and intended for foreign shipment, can not enter the United States free irom duty, except for transportation to u United States port for siiipmeiit abroad. Articles or merchandise grown or manufactureu iu any foreign country, if transported to Canada and then to the United States, are tubject to duty upon entering the United States. The bill also provides that if such articles are transported across the ocean and landed at a seaport of the United btate and through Canada in bund for the United States as a final destination, having paid duty at the seaport of the United Mates w li ere landed, are not subject to duty upon again entering the United States for final destination. , For the Relief of Samoan Sufferers. Washikgton, Dec. 5. Senator H&le today introduced a biil for the relief of tbe sufferers by the wreck of the United States men-of-war Trenton and Vandalia and the stranding of the Nipsic in the harbor of Apia, Samoa, last March, the bill provides that the survivors of tbe officers and crews of the wrecked vessels shall be paid a sum equal to the losses sustained by them: but in no case shall the compensation for such loss sustained exceed the amount of twelve months' sea pay of the grade occupied by the sufferer. In case of death the widow or children are to be entitled to the money, and the expense of the removal of the bodies already recovered shall be paid to the relatives. The bill also directs that the relatives of Pay Clerk H. D. Alexander, who died on board ihe Trenton while en route to Samoa, be compensated for bis personal effects lost by tne wreck. Also that the sum of $120 be given to Lieutenant J. C. Wilson, being the amount of public money stolen from him while going from the Samoan islands to Auckland to communicate to the Navy department tne news of the stranding of (he vessels. The bill authorizes the secretary of the navy to remove the remains of the lost officers buried at Samoa to the United States at the expense of the government, and to have them interred in the National cemetery at Mare island,' California.-Proposed Congress of Nations. Washihgtoic, Dec. 5. Senator Ingails to day introduced a bill to aid and secure the commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America. Tbe bill provides that the president shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, a commission consisting of two members from each state, of different political affiliations, two from the District of Columbia and one from each of the territories. The president is authorized to extend an invitation to all the American nationsand states, inviting ttlfeni to unite in celebrating the anniversary. Should Italy, tpain or other .European powers desire" to join m the celebration thuy shall be invited. Tbe bill provides that the commission shall meet in Washington after thirty days' notice and organize. It shall then secure a site, by purchase or otherwise, for the convocatiou of nations of an area not less than 300 acres of ground. The president snail apportion tbe land for the buildings of the various countries, each one to select its own style of architecture, ihe appropriations are as follows: F'or the purchase of grounds $o,UU0,000. for grading and clearing $1,500,-OtX. tor buildings of the United Stales $-500,000, for incidental expenses $1,000,000; total $8,000,000. Charges to be Investigated. Washington, Dec 5. A proceeding has been instituted before the inter-state commerce commission by the New York board of trade and transportation asainst the Pennsylvania Railroad company, the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne and Chicago and the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad companies. The complaint in this case alleges that since April 4, 1887; tbe defendants, in violation of tbe act to regulate commerce, have been guilty of unjust discrimination, in lhat they have been and are in the habit of charging their regular tariff rates upon property when delivered to them at New York and Philadelphia for transportation to Chicago and other Western points, while charging other persons rates much lower and' even as low as 50 per cent, thereof for like service, when the property is delivered to them at New York and Philadelphia by vessels and steamship lines under through bills of lading from all foreign points and foreign interior points, issued upon common arrangement between defendants and such vessel and steamship lines and foreign railroads for continuous carriage at joint rates from the point or port of shipment to Chicago and other Western points. The commission is asked to investigate. . Ko Irrigation deeded. Washington, Dec. 5. Secretary Rusk has received a report from the agricultural experiment station in southwest Kansas, near Garden City, announcing that it has been demonstrated that tbe arid lands of the West can be made itroductive without the aid of irrigation. Experiments at the station named have proved that tbe desert land unirrigated will produce plentiful supplies of grasses and forage plants, including sorghum,- and it is believed that wheat, corn and potatoes will grow equally as well. Only two things were necessary to accomplish these results first, the ground was pulverized deeply to make a bed for holding the water lhat fills in rain, and second, the planted surface was covered after the sowing of tbe first crop with juatted straw to keep theloau from blow-ing'away and with it the seed. Subsequent crops will require no straw for the reason that the matted roots will keep the dry earth from beingjbiown away by the high winds. The Administration Coming ITett. J. . Washington, Dec. 5. While it has not been definitely settled, it is probable that President and Mrs. Harrison and Private Secretarv Halford will leave here tomorrow evening for Chicago to attend the opening Of the auditorium. The vice president and Mrs. Morton, accompanied by their niece, Mrs. Sands, and Jdr. Chilton, the vice president's private secretary, will leave Wosh-ir.gton for Chicago tomorrow evening on Proident Ingalls's CBrover the Chesapeake and Ohio ranruad and the Chicago, Cincinnati. Cleveland and St. Louis railroad. Ohio Postmasters. Washington, Dec. 5. Fourth-class postmasters were appointed for Ohio today as foltows: H. Uolboth, Bloom Center, Logan county ; A. Z. Converse, Carroll, Fairfield county ; John Haas, Catawba, Clark county; James Jameson, Gahanna, Franklin county ; Miss Neliie Atkinson, Pekiu, Warren county;. L. H. Randolph, Reho both, Perry county, i ltecesit Appointments. Washington, Dec. 5. The president today sent to the senate several hundred nominations of persons appointed to office during the recess of congress. They were in the Departments of Slate, Justice, Interior, War and .uvy. Ordered discharged. Washington, Dec. 5. By direction of the secretary of war, Recruit James Manning, general service, now supposed to be at Columbus barracks, having enlisted under fajse pretenses, is discharged from the service of the United States. ISold to the Department. Washington, Dec, 5. Ponds to the value ipf $1,000,000 were sold to the Treasury department today by National bank depositaries. '1 his is in addition to the regular bond purchases. All Accepted.,' Washington, Dec. 5. Today's bond offerings were as follows : Coupon 4s, $100; registered 4s, $507,:i00 at 127; qoupon 4Js, $2t:50 at lo4;-s ; registered 4)8, $377,000 at All accepted. ' linin Xtecoyerft. Washington, Dec. 5. Secretary Blaine, having recovered from his recent attack of lumbago, resumed his duties at the State department today, j,yiUyk'iTit tonereif First Session. ' r. '-: ST-V-i. - ' Washington, Dec 5. AmoVigthe numer-' ous memorials and petitions presented was one sijinea by 1). K. Weoster, asking that the national title bechanged to tuatof ''the United States of Columbia." Among the bills introduced and referred were the following: fly Mr. Coke To limit the jurisdiction of the'circint and district courts of the United btates. By Mr. Beck For the retirement of United States legal tender and nalionul bank notes of small denominations and the issue of coin certificates in fieu of gold and silver certificates. Also to repeal the laws relating to the siniting fund. liy Mr. Blair Proposing a constitutional amendment to comer oil the District of Columbia representation in both bouses of congress ond iji the electors! college; to amend the naturalization laws; to give the right of trial by jury to claimants for pension.By Mr. Ingails To aid and secure the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. By Mr. Kdmunds To amend the laws relating to the removal of cases from state cVurts to United States courts. Mr. Voorbeesotlered a long preamble and resolution in reference to tariff taxation, which he asked to have laid upon the table for the present. It declared that all existing tariff' taxes on foreign merchandise should be so revised, repealed or amended as to provide: First For the collection of a sufficient amount of revenue to pay the expenses of the government, economics .ly administered ; the principal and interest of the public debt as they fail due, and liberal pensions, but not a dollar more. Second For the "taxation of all artteles of luxury at the highest practicable rates, and for the reduction cf taxes on all necessaries of civilized life, such as salt, sugar, woolen goods, iron, steel and other stapie commodities, to tiie lowest possible rates consistent with a tariff for revenue and lor nothing but revenue. Third For the curtailment and overthrow, as fur as possible, of all monopolies in trade by the enlargement of the free list to the full extent that the same can be done without impairing and endangering the necessary revenues of the government, having in view at all times and under all circumstances, a liberal poiicy of trade with the people of foreign countries, and the establishment of equal and exact justice amongst our own citizens, with exclusive privileges to none. Mr. Yoorhees will herearter call up tbe resolution ana address toe senate upon it. Mr. Plumb oiiered a resolution, which was agreed to, calling on the secretary of the treasury for a statement as .to whether employes in the office of the sub-treasurer at New York have given as security for the performance of their public dutiesjthe bond of a foreign corporation ; whether such security has been taken by the direction or under the advice of the assistant treasurer; and, if so, what reasons operated to secure such preference for a foreign corporation. Mr. Chandler offered a resolution, which was agteed to, calling on the secretary of tbe nuvy for a list of the rear admirals and commodores now on the active list, with a statement as to their present duties, their pay, services, etc. Mr. Reagau proceeded to address the senate in explanation and advocacy of a bill introduced by him yesterday for the repeal of so much of the Utird section of the act of 1875 as provides for the sale of bonds, so as to produce a reserve fur the redemption of legal-tender notes. Mr. Moody (S. Dak.), introduced a bill to prohibit officers and agents of the government from requiring payment of special taxes under the internal reveuue laws for tbe manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors m states where such manufacture or sale is prohibited by the state constitution. Referred. The vice president having informed the senate that he would be absent from the citv two or three days next week, Mr. Ingails was elected as presiuent pro tempore during the absence of the vice president. Tne senate then adjourned till Monaay. HOUSE. . The speaker laid before the house the following communication from J. P. Leedom, late sergeant-at-arms of -"he house, directed to the speaker. "1 regret to report lhat C. E. Silcott, late cashier of the office of thesergeant-at-arms. has departed from this city without settling his accounts, and I have leen unable to ascertain his whereaboats. and Continued on second page.- WITH A HEAVY HAND Will the Government Smite All Who Infringe Upon the Electiou Laws, And Witnesses Will be Protected to Any Extent When They are Called Into Court. Some Pointed Eemarks of Attorney General Miller. Washington, Dec. 5. The annual report of Attorney General Miller was made public today. During the year 2287 civil suits ahd 1-1,538 criminal prosecutions were terminated, and there are pending 2950 of the former and 7S12 of the laimr class. Mr. Miller recommends that provision be made for a United States penitentiary and a United States reformatory, the latter being intended for the confinement of the milder class of criminals. It is also urged that a prison bureau be established in thJcDepartment ot Justice, where could be gathered, collated and recorded in a permanent form the criminal statistics of the United States. In a chapter on law business he says: "Very soon after the 4th of March last it was brought to my attention . that at the then recent congresnional'elections there were very numerous and far-reaching violations of the federal law 6 relating to such elections. It was charged that, by intimidation of voters, by seizing and destroying ballot-boxes, by substitution of lalse ballots, by false returns, by btiberv of voters and election officers, and by various other means we.l known to those engaged in this nefarious business, the popular will was stifled and falsitiea and returns obtained wholly at variance with what would have been the result of a free and fair vote honestly counted. In every case where such charges were brought to tbe attention of this department instructions were given to the district attorneys to investigate and prosecute to heir utuiost power every person implicated in such violations of federal laws, and I am happy to be able to report that, in a number of states, such prosecutions have been successful. A large number of indictments have been returned; upon some of them trials have been had; in a number of esses convictions have been obtained, and in some cases the culprits have pleaded guilty and asked for mercy at the hands of the court. A large number of these cases are still pending and the instructions to the district attorneys are still to puh them to the end. It is proper to (ay that in some cases that euorls bave Deen maue. some oi tnem very recently, to prevent and cripple these urosecutioiis by attempts to intimidate the marshal from serving processes and witnesses from giving tiieir testimony; such intimidation going to the extent of actual assassination. But it must not be supposed thut hostility to the Unitea States courts and its officers is confined to electiou matters. On the contrary the records of the Denartment of Justice show that in some districts the evils of this court and criminal prosecutions wholly disconnected with the elective franchise can not proceed, because tbe livxs of ...no lessary xriiQecs-..tra in sucli danger that it would he simply inhuman to enforce their attendance and the giving their testimony; while the evidence is abundant that in certain cases at tendance is dangerous upon iaithful per formance ot marshals, in every case tne instructions to prosecute have been coupled with tne assurance that no means within the power of this department will be soared to protect officers and witnesses in the discharge ot their duties and to bring punishment to every man wno illegally attempts to thwart such prosecutions." The attorney general speaks oi the importance of some changes in the judicial system which will enable the courts, and especially the supreme court, to dispose of accumulated business, ana in tins connection calls particular attention to the "Davis biil," which was luiiy set forth in the report of his predecessor for 1S85. The attorney general calls attention to the fact that the court in Oklahoma, the court in the Western district of Arkansas, and the court recently provided for at Paris, Tex., require an expenaiture of money, in the payment of witnesses, that very largely depletes the appropriations made by congress for that purpose, and he says llial the demands of these three courts are such that if they are met tbe result will be a very large neficien-cv, or else the courts in other disiricts will be obliged to stop for want of funds. In view of these facts the estimates for the payment of witnesses, for tbe next year, has been made in the sum of $1,000,000, instead of $IM),000, appropriated lor the current year. ' DISAuIlLtlSG ON CltEEDS. A Lively Time in Congregational Con-TentfonMilwaukee, Dec. 5. By a vote of 16 to 13 the Wisconsin Congregational convention, in session at Kaukeauna, today convicted Rev. E. H. Smith of Oshkosh of heresy. The charges were that bis belief and teaching were not in harmony with Congregational belief. The effect of the vote is to disfeliovship Mr. Smith, and the action will probably cause a split iii the convention. Three voung men. Revs. Miller, Loomis and Reed, made application for admission to the convention. When asked by the committee on credentials if they assented to the burial, will and other creeds, said they did substantially, but denied the request of this convention to require sucn an assent as a basis of their aumission. The discussion waxed warm at times. Loomis and Miller were finally admitted, but Rev. Reed of Sheboygan was reiused fellowship on a vote of 14 to 11. NATIONAL LIVE-STOCK tXCHANGE. A Number of Resolutions Introduced A Division of Commission. Chicago, Dec. 5. The national live-stock exchange held its final session this morning. Delegate Stiles of Kansas City was chairman. Resolutions asking the repeal of tbe oleomargarine bill by congress and touching on the matter of Texas fever were introduced and referred to the executive committee for action, as was also the resolution introduced yesterday regarding the leasing of cars to individuals by the railroad companies. There was considerable of a squabble over tbe matter of a division of commissions, the South and West fighting Chicago on tbe question. Nothing definite was decided on, and the matter was taken up by tbe executive committee this afternoon. Six members were added to the executive committee, one from each exchange. THKY HATMi'T THE POWER To Consolidate, but Mill Likely Secnre It Jiefore Adjournment. St. Louts, Dec. 5. The farmers and laborers' convention met again this morning, but as no committees were ready to report no regular business was transacted. Several speeches of a general character were made, however, and the time seemed to pass pleasantly. The Farmers' alliance beld a session at the Planters' house this morning, at which Mr. Powderly and other Knights of Labor were present and made speeches, but no business was done, the joint committee on consolidation not being ready to report. Referring the probability of consolida tion between the two alliances. North and South, Mr, Clowse of tbe alliance said: "The idea as near as I can give it to you Is this. Here is the Plan in a nutshell The committee will draw up a series of resolutions, tne substance ot wnicn win oe as lollows : "The Farmers' alliance will consolidate with the Farmers and Laborers union when two-thirds of the number of states represented by the alliance agree to do so. The reason that definite action is not taken now by tbe delegates, that is, why thpy don't vote either for or against it, is because of their limited power. They only have the power to suggest things to the alliances represented by them. When this new constitution, which will be drawn up by the delegates here before adjourning, is ratified by two-thirds of the . states having alliances, than the consolidation will be eti.-cted. There are only nine states in question, and live ol them have already expressed a wish to 10m the rarnicrt and Laborers union We only want one more state, and we may get tins beiore adjourning Hum St. Lou., The delegates here all want a consolidation. but have not the requisite power. "The alliance will probab'v tlret lie officers to continue the work, but this ill be only temporary. The two organizations win undoubtedly be consolidated beiore a montu. At a meeting beld by the business agents of the Farmers and Laborers' union it was decided to have the headquarters of the business arents iu .New loiK, so as facilitate tne Catherine of reports and statistics. Mr. J. B. Dines of Missouri was elected president and Mr. Oswald V ileoti of Isew xork secretary. This bas proven a busy day in the "next revolution, as begun t v the Fanners and Laborers' Union of America, resulting practically in the combination of the mid dle clasnes, with 4,uou,000 voters in tne ranks. A secret conference between Master AVorkmau Powuvrlv of the Knights of l.a. bor and Lvan Jones, president of the Farmers and Luborer' union, last night. which lasted until an early hour tins morn itig, resulted in a thorough understanding being reached, and today President Jones said tliat confederation was now au eMail lished fact, while Master Workman l ow- deriy admitted that there was much truth in what Mr. Jones said. During the day General J. It. Weaver of Iowa, the famous Greeubacker, arrived and was next to Powderly the lion of the hour. All were jubilant save the lew farmers who think tbe indorsement of the Henry George land doctrine debars theiu from full fellowship with farmers. At the afternoon session, the commit tecs not being ready to report. Master Workman l'owaeriy delivered an auuresa, lie was enthusiastically greeted. Mr, Powderly paid attention to the laud ques tion, railroad transportation, tbe loriua tion of the Knights of Labor and the present and future hopes of the order lie related how tne Kuights had attempt ed to iuii a co-operative coal mine in In diana, in which iliey were thwarted by the railroads, and dwelt at length upon the advantages of confederation of the mid 'le classes. General J. li. Weaver cf Iowa fclso addressed the convention. The committees will report at tomorrow morning's session. I ACTION OF WOOL-GKOWEIiS, They Go to fee Secretary Windom About the linty on Ring Waste 'l hat Official Promises to Look After the Butter. Wabhihotos, Dec. 5. At thewool-growers' 'lim vention tod y ihe .N a.tional Wool- growers' association of the United States was reorganized by the adoption of a constitution and the election of the following olliceis to serve one year: Hon. Columbus Delano of Ohio president, Hon. J. T. Rich of Michigan vice president. C. H. Beali of W est V lrgiuia treasurer, Vteorge li. vt anace of Missouri secretary and ilavis enilt of ew ork assistant secretary, r,. y. busell of Vermont, W. L. Black of Texas and John McDowell of Pennsylvania were elected to act with the officers of tbe asso-ociation as an executive board. The committee appointed to draft an address to the wool-grow erB of tbe United Stales having reported to tbe convention that it required additional time iu which to prepare tbe ad dress, a resolution was iiurouuceu and adopted granting further time and authorizing- the executive board to revise and publish the same at its earliest convenience. All matters pertaining to legislation was. by resolution, reterrerl to a committee to be hereafter designated by the president. One of the principal subjects of discussion today was the unuevuluation of so-caiied ring waste. It was shown that during the last year the importation of this so-called waste equaled the entire wool clip of either Ohio or lexas; that it is superior for nearly all wool manufacturing purposes to the finest scoured wool iu this country, and yet, it was said, it paid a duty of only 10 cents a pound, when it should have Daid. upon a proper and just classifi cation, from 30 to 00 cents per pound. It is stated that last year about 24.000,0u0 pounds of this wool w as imported, principally lrom Bradford, England, and sold iu the markets of this country at from 02 to 65 cents a pound, while, in the same mar kets, tine scoured Calitornia wool sold at 55 cents per pound. Quotation from the Pbiladelpuia market were reau in support of this assertion. It was also stated that this fine grade wool was manipulated by machinery before shipment, especially constructed to coil it into small rings in imitation of waste for the sole purpose ot evading tne law anu avoiding the payment of just customs dnties. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Law rence, McDowell, Harpster. Cossiit and Wallace, waited upon Secretary Windom this afternoon, and protested against the admission of tbis so-called waste at a rate less than is chnrged upon v. ool scheduled as partly manufactured wool. The secretary stated to the committee that be was then eneaeed in a thorough investigation of this subject, and he assured them that full iustice would be done tbe wool-grow- ine interests of tbe C nited States, ihe next annual meeting of tne ant-ociaiion will be held in Chicago on tne second Wednesday in June next. The convention adjourned until tomorrow. A FAIK OF FKACDS Are Picked Up at Wheeling Working; an Old Ilacket. Pittsburo, Dec. 5. Tonight a. stranger representing .himself at one time to be George B. Brooks, traveling correspondent of the Detroit Free Press, and at another as J. Franklin Howe, special correspondent of tbe New York Associated Press, was arrested and jailed at Wheeling, W. Va., for attempting to obtain money tinder false pretenses Dy swindling hotel-keepers. He registered at the Windsor as Brooks and at the McLure bouse as Howe. At the latter house he sent in a big envelope by boy addressed to himself and marked "Pay 121." He had previously void the clerk that be expected a batcti of Associated Press matter and to pay the charges, i he envelope contained lour sheets of blank paper. CANTOS SENSATION. ' , Arrest of a Physician and Voung; Man tor AittmpiM ADomoi. Cktok. O.. Dec. 6. Special. 1 Richard V. Bortz and Dr. Edwin L. Walker, a well- known physician, were arrested this afternoon, charged with attempting to commit abortion upon Miss Florence Longebach, whom Bortz had enticed into a bouse of iil.friM aftar ruininir her. Both held to the grand jury in tiooo bail. X tie anair createu finite a sensation - li. w . T l ously denies any participation iu the aflair. LAST OF HIS EAGE. Jefferson Davis. Ex-President of tbe Lato Confederacy, Passes Peacefully Away. Tiie Man Without a Country, Whose Memory is Execrated by All Loyal Mer, Goes to Bis Eeward, and There Will be Wreaths of Koscniary "That's for Keniembrance," In All the Sunny Southland, from the Everglades of Florida to Banks of the Potomac The Idol of the Southern People, Who Led Tlit'in in the War Against the Union, Lives to See an Undivided Country, with One Flair from Ocean to Ocean, And the Glorious Union That He Tried to Destroy Leading: the Nations of the Earth. The Confederate Statesman, a Monument of Mercy, Allowed to Die Amou? Friends, . Surrounded by Those Who Were En shrined in Bis Memory. .-,v.,ty.-".' ' '4. . . Nkw Om.EANM. Dec. 6. At 12:45 o'clock this morning Hon. Jefferson Davis, ex-president of the Confederate fi'tates, died at the residence of his life-long friend, J. U. Payne. s From the beginning of his fatal illness ' Mr. Davis had insisted that his case was nearly or quite hopeless, though the dread of pain or fear of death never appeared to take the slightest hold upon Ins spirit, which were brave and even buoyant from the beginning of his attack. In vain did the doctors strive to Imprest upon him that his health was improving, lie steadily insisted that there was no improvement, but with Christian resignation he was content to accept whatever Providence bad in store for him. Only once did he waver in his belief that his case showed no improvement, and that was at an early hour yesterday morning, when be playfully remarked to Mr. Payne: "1 am afraid that I shall be compelled to agree with tbe doctors for once and admit that I am g little better." All day long the favorable symptoms continued and late in the afternoon, as late as 4 o'clock, Mrs. Davis sent such a cheering message to Mrs. Stamps and Mr. ana Mrs. Farrar lhat they decided for tbe first time since Mr. Davis has been taken ill to attend the French opera. At 6 o'clock last evening, without any assignable cause, Mr. Davis was seized with a congestive chill which seemed to absolutely crush the vitality out of his already enfeebled body. Ho" weak was Mr. Davis that the violence of the assault soon subsided for lack of vitality upon which to prey. I rum that moment to the moment of hi death the history of his case was that of a gradual sinking. At 7 o'clock Mrs. Davis administered some medicine, but the ex-president declined to receive the hole dose, bhe urged upon him tbe necessity of taking tbe remainder, but putting it aside, vuih the gentlest of gestures he whispered, "Prav excuse me." These were his last worus. Gradually he grew weaker and weaker, but never for an instant seemed to lose consciousness. Lying peacefully upon his bed and without a Usee of pain in his look he remained ior hours. .Mlently clasping and tenderlv caressing his wile's band, with undaunted Christian spirit he awaited the end. From the moment of the dread assault of the coneestive chill those gathered around bis bedside, who had been watching and noting with painful interest every chance of symnloui tor the past month, knew well that the dread meiaeu-eer was even at the door. About lU:30o'clock Associate J ustice Fenner went to the French opera-house to cull to Mr. Davis's bedside Mrs. Farrar and Mrs. stamps. As soon as the messnne reached them they burned to the be isideof tbe dying ex-preaident. Bv 11 ;:w o'clock there mere resembled in tht'dcatli chamber Mrs. Davis, lrs. I hsille and isickiiam, Associate justice aim .Mrs. Fenner. Miss 2anme Mimii (grand mere of the dying ex-presidenll. and .Mr. and Mm. K. 11. Farrar. Finding that Mr. l'avis was breathing somewhat heavily as he lay upon Ins back the doctors a.satcd him to turn upon his right side. With his check resting upon hi right hand like a sleeping iiilmit and&with his hit hanj drooping across his chest he lay for some In teen minutes, breathing softly but faintly. Mora and more leehle became bis respirations till thev passed into snence, and then the watchers knew thai the silver cord had bun loosed and the golden bowl broken. The father ot the Confederacy had passed way. Jeflerson Davis was born in Christiana omitv. Kv.. June 3. Durins; his childhood his father removed to the Mate of Mississippi, lie graduated from the Weal Point Military academjr in Is. au4 M' s t i i c

J VOL. LU" NO. 292. COLUMBUS, FftlDAY MOENING. DFCEMBER 6. 1889. ESTABLISHED 1811. SMATEDBY SILCOTT. Tie Cashier ofSerireant-at-Arms Leedom of the National House of Representatives Skips the Tra La Le with Nearly 2,000 in Good Hard Dollars :'of This Realm. ' TS9fCld 5tory of Speculation, Fast LiTing and a Beautiful Wom- . . an the Causes. Silcott Drew the Money from Treasury Saturday and Left for Canada. the Eon. J. P. Leedom Kuined by the Defalcation and Has Notified His Bondsmen. The Question Sow is, "What Will Congressmen Do for Their Christinas Pin Money? Andt'lt Is 2fot Yet Known Upon . "Whom the Financial Burden Will FalL ; The Steal Was an Easy One to. Make and the Wonder is It - Came bo Late, X The" Friends of "Ed" Silcott in Adams County, 0., Surprised at His Downfall. , . E. WInship, the Predecessor of the Fugitive, Tells How the Scheme Worked. A Special Act of Congress Necessary to Provide Funds for the Use of Congress. 4 ' WiSHrilaTos, Dec. 5. Special Mr. C, EJSilcoit, cashier of the office ofSergeant-at-Arms Leedom, is a defaulter, and the amount stolen, so far as ascertained from the books of his office, is $71,859. Last Saturday, as is his usual custom at the close of each monUiwwent to the treasury and drew the money, and left immediately forSTew Tork. On Monday Mr. Leedom receired a telegram from New York saying that he would return that night, but no word has since been received frpni him. When the news was first announced to his son, the boy who is employed in the document room, he felt into convulsions. - Mr. Leedom was almost overcome by the news of his trusted employe's downfall and wept bitterly when speaking of the terrible affair. Silcott is a Democrat, an Ohio man and belongs in Adams county. The woman who is responsible for the trouble is one of the best known women in Washington. The fact that the new sergeant-at-arms of the house, ex-Congressman Holmes, has not qualified or takeu office is explained by the announcement today of the disappearance of Silcott. Mr. Holmes did not care to take the office until this matter had been investigated by the house. Silcott is a fat, thick-set man, with a very red face, and looks like a pork butcher. He wears a mustache and goatee, and is not particularly neat in his dress. He is about 50 years of age, and has a family, his wife living here. f Leedom, who is responsible for Silcott, is bonded for f 50,000, ex-Congressman Felton and David R. Page, late of Ohio but now of New York, being his sureties. Silcott said on Saturday after he left the Capitol, after the lie publican caucus, "The election of Reed will boom the Pacific Mail five points." It may be that he has put up government money on this point, for he was a heavy speculator and a great plunger horse racing. Yesterday Leedorn became suspicious and going to the treasury found a $60,000 check had been overdrawn. He then called on Silcott's wife and found that she did not know where her husband was and that she was penniless. Leedom has telegraphed to his bondsmen of the affair. The sergeant-at-arms thinks that Silcott is in Canada, for had he sailed for Europe he could be extradited. He has been an intimate friend of Leedom from boyhood. He once ran for the office of auditor of Adams county, O., and he kept a store in Youngsville. Silcott was also bonded for $50,000. Among his bondsmen are the following well-known citizens of Adams county, O W. A. Blair of lower house of Ohio legist latere; K. H. Ellison, a banker, who recently failed ; I. T. Wilson, anex-coneress-man; Samuel Drennau and William Mc-Cormick.The wildest rumors are afloat tonight concerning the defalcation insergeant-at-arms office. The Ohio members are all caught for at least a month's salary, and some for larger amounts. Ben Butter-worth had allowed $900 to accumulate in Silcott's hands and will probably lose it all, as he had signed receipts for the same! Grosvenor and Caldwell have given checks on the office and were hustling about this afternoon to protect their paper. The Post printed an extra edition at noon in which it charged Leedom with being a defaulter. He is very much exercised over the matter and talks of instituting proceedings for libel. Silcott's bond is for $50,000 and the majority of his sureties are residents of Adams" county. O. Among the other bondsmen are ex-Congressman Felton of California and Hon. David R. Paige of New York, who at one time represented the Akron district in congress and acted as one of the Payne managers in the senatorial contest of 1SS4. It was given out that the object of fcilcott's trip to New York was to see Paige and secure $10,000. which he was alleged to have borrowed for Xeedoni and which tne latter needed to make a settlement with his successor. An evening paper states Governor-elect Campbell is on t-ilcott s bond, but this is not believed by Campbell's friends. Among other rumors afloat, tonight was one to the effect that Senator Payne was on Siicott bond. The senator made a most emphatic denial to tbe State Joit.nai. correspondent, saying he was never asked to act m such capacity. Silcott has left his wife pern i leas anu iteart-broken. It has been devti.-oped since his flight that he kept a woman in most luxurious style, and it is thought she fled with him. as she can not be found in the city. . Associated Trcsm Account of the Steal. Washington, Dec. 5. From present ap-Jiearances C. Kdwsrd hifcott. cashier of the Muweaut-at-arms ui the house of repre sentatives, has fled, carrying off about $72,000 of the funds intrusted to his care, 'ihe history of tbe case as fat as it can be gathered at present is as follows : Silcott was a trusted employe who came here from Ohio and was appointed by Mr. Leedom whet: thai gentleman assumed otflce six years ago. He had good business qualifications and soon possessed himself of the unlimited confidence of his superior. Last Saturday he notiiied Mr. Leedom that he was going to New York and would be back Sunday night. A message was received from him dated New York Monday morning, saving that he had been detained but would return that night. A similar message reached his wife in this city. As he oid not appear Tuesday Mr. Leedom was fearful that he had been overtaken by some accident, but to satisfy rising suspicions bezan an investigation. The information that Silcott had drawn his bank balance deepened these suspicions, and tbe inquiry was pursued. Toe enormous office sale could not be opened at the moment, as Silcott had the combination, but when an entrance was finally efiected, it was found that some $:i,000 set apart for the use of the paving teller was intact. The next inquiry "was made at the Treasury department, and Mr. Leedom was (stunned by the result. He was informed that Silcott had called there Saturday and bad drawn about $72.-000. It was possible for him to draw this large sum without exciting comment, as he had for a long time been cbanged with tbe duty of collecting the money with which the salaries of the representatives are paid. ? Silcott is under bonds in tbe sum of $50,000, his sureties numbering about fifteen Eersons. This is, however, an indemnity ond given to the sergeaht-at-arms. and Mr. Leedom. who is himself bonded in the sum of $60,000, is directly responsible for the shortage. The first news of the state of affairs came ont just before the house met at noon today, and there was an exciting scene in tbe office of the sergeant-at-arms. Mr. Leedom, who was sitting in the rear of bis office, was surrounded by a number of members of tne bouse, who were tendering advice of all kinds. The most practical suggestion was adopted atonce by Mr. Leedom, who appeared to be completely unnerved and unable to act for himself, and telegrams were dispatched to his sureties, notifying them of Silcott's disappearance and expressing a willingness to co-operate fully in every effort to find him and secure the return of the missing funds. Outside tbe bank-like railing across the room stood an- L other crowd of members, evidently anx- iuus iuc tuvxnseivea, as wen as lor Mr. Leedom, as they put many queries as to -the anioont of money left in the safe and the prospects of getting their salaries. - Mr. Leedom says he would have trusted Silcott with any sum of money. He knew his brother well and believes that Silcott himself was entirely trustworthy. So firm was he in this belief that he had even hesitated to begin the investigation, which bas had such a disastrous conclusion, fearing that Silcott had been Bandbagged in New York or had been detained by some untoward happening. What to do next he does not yet -know, and is seeking advice. He was just about to turn over bis office to the newly-elected sergeant-at-arms, Mr. Holmes, but this event necessarily delays the transfer. Mr. Leedom says that it was within Silcott's power to have carried off not less than $U)C,000 instead of the $72,000 which is missing. It was suggested by a person standing near, that to have carried off the balance, would have changed the nature of the crime from embezzlement to theft, and have subjected the perpetrator to extradition even in Canada, whither, it is already rumored, the missing man has fled. This is on tne theory that Silcott was the custodian of the money drawer from the treasury for tbe payment of salaries, and mat ma retention ot mis money would constitute simple embezzlement, .while if he had taken the money in the paving teller's drawer of the safe, it would have been a direct theft. It is stated that Mr. Leedom was victimized once before by the immediate predecessor of Silcott, but to an amount insignificant in comparison with his present loss. During the afternoon the employes in the sergeant-at-arm's office were busy going over the books and accounts. A statement seenred from the treasury shows that last week Siicott in three days drew $133,-442 from tne department. The payments were as follows: November 27. $36,608; November 29, $36,206; November 3C, $60,-628; total $133,442. Out of this total a considerable sum was paid out to members, some money was turned over to the pavjng teller to meet current needs, and the exact balance missing, according to the books, is $71,859. But a number of representatives were in the habit of keeping individual depos.ts with the sergeant-at-arms, and in fact a general banking business was done in the office on a small scale. What these losses are has not been ascertained. Inquiry at some of the banks this afternoon develops the fact that Silcott paid $40,000 in notes at the National Metropolitan bank Saturday. There are also rumors that he overdrew his account elsewhere: but with their customary reserve, the banks fail to say anything in confirmation. The heavy total of notes paid above referred to goes to confirm stories that are afloat here of extraordinary living and rash speculation by tbe defaulter. Later information is to the effect that the paying teller's funds, although in the same sate where Silcott kept his money, were protected by a separate lock and steel door, which may explain their preservation. Mr. Leedom is reported as having said that tbe could raise about $22,000, which would leave a deficit of $49,860 to be made good by his bondsmen. It appears that the United States treasurer has repeatedly called attention in his annual reports to the necessity for the appointment oi a suitable disbursing officer by the house for the handling of its funds, and some heed is now likely to be paid to these recommendations. The present system, under which it was possible for a defalcation to happen, is as follows : '- The speaker certifies that a-member is entitled to $417 salary for a stated month. These certificates are signed by tbe members and given to the sergeant-at-arms, who collects the money from" the treasury, where tbe certificate is received as a receipt, and places it to the account of the members, t-iicott collected the money last week on a number of these certificates; the total was not beyond the orain&ry drafts, and he had been making the same collections for several years. What concerns . the members of the house most deeply just now is where the loss is to fall. Some of tbe ablest lawyers in the house (and particularly those members who have drawn all of their salary and have it in their pockets) are of opinion that in signing the certificates the "members have given a receipt to the treasury and released the government from liability, in which case they must look to Air. Leedom or his sureties for their money. Others the great majority who have not drawn their November salary, hold that, as the certificates were signed and presented before December 3, when tne salaries were due. the treasury must have taken notice of that fact and could not legally have paid the certilicatas. Meanwhile many of tne members will be, for a time at least, kept out of their November salaries, which, as Representative Butterworth says, is pretty hard, with Christmas so near at hand. The committee appointed today to look into the defalcation will meet tomorrow and benin its investiratron. Craven Edward Silcott came from Youngsville, O., where he has been a merchant for many years. Air. Leedom sa s that he seemed to have no more than tio ordinary man's share of vices, ond was one of the most economical men he ever saw. Persons who knew Silcott's habits, however, do not give him a good name. It is said that he was intimate with a disreputable woman going by the name of Louise Barrett, whom he had supported fir some time, and it was asserted that she was now bis companion. This latter statement is open to some question, as it is certain that the woman did not go away with Silcott, although it is true that 8'ie bas left tbe city. He also had the refutation of playing the races steadily and of lending money to his associates at the Capitol to back the horses. On Saturday last it was the gossip of the sergeant-at-arm's office that Silcott had won $2400 from the local bookmakers just beyond the city limits. Siicott leaves a wife and three children behind. The oldest is a married son 22 years of age, employed in the house document-room. Tee object of Silcott's visit to New York la.'t Saturday, it is said, was for thepur-p- a of collecting $12,000 fromex-Congressman Paige of Ohio, now living in New York, vhich amount Siicott bad loaned him out of the funds in his custody. It was necessary to have this money in order to heve the ck?h balance when turned over to the incoming sergeant-at-arms. A nuin ber of members made a practice of- using the office as a bank, and through courtesy this was permitted, although the sergeant-at-arms was under no obligations to allow this use to be made of his office. Among the members who lose personal de- iiositsare: Rife of Pennsylvania $2oO0, J. . Taylor of Ohio ?3000. ikluttile of Maine $1500, Bayne of Pennsylvania $1iXiO, Butterworth of Ohio i'duO. "Hermann of Oregon $:5U0, Pickler of North Dakota $600, Parnell of Nebraska $2100 and Owen ot Indiana $25. Nearly all tbe members lose some money on account of salary due them, but affairs are in so much contusion that a list oi tbe members and their losses can not be civ-en. Some members permitted their salaries to remain untouched for several months, and these are the greatest sufferers by the defalcation. Belden of New York loses his entire salary since March 4, about $i.40u. Some tew members made assurance doubly sure, however, and are indebted to the office, having overdrawn their accounts. Representative Turner of Kansas says that he was mistaken about seeing Silcott in the sergeant-at-arms' office Tuesday morning, that it was a case of mistaken identity. Speaking of the probability of the members of congress being out of pocket by the defalcation, Mr. Turner said that it would depend on whether the act creating the oftic made the sergeant-at-arms the government representative, or whether as seemed probable from the fact that the members signed authorizations, be was the representative of the members. In the first case the government and in the second, members them:eive would be losers. The law would have to be very clear and indisputable in support of the first proposition beiore he would vote for a resolution to reimburse himself and other members for tbe loss of their salaries. If Silcott has gone to Canada, as is generally assumed, this defalcation will give a most powerful impetus to tbe movement for an extradition treaty with Canada. - Mr. Leedom made the following statement tonight: "The committee upon the celebration of the inauguration, ot which Mr. Hiscock is chairman, was in my office on Wednesday about 3 :30 o'clock. While there Mr.. Ballentine, paying teller, called me aside and said: '1 am distressed. I believe something has bappeued to Mr. Silcott. I fear he may have been killed. Here is the combination that unlocks the sale.' "I told him that I knew nothing about the matter and asked him to unlock the safe and then be said we bad better wait until the committee should go out, which it did at 4 o'clock. I told the messenger to close the door and then Balicntine took the combination that Silcott had given him some fuur years ago, and as I was by his side he unlocked the safe after considerable trouble. Mr. Ballentine said he wanted me to count the money. The first packet I picked up was a package of $1 bills with a $100 bill on tbe back of it. The next was a similar package. That was a very unusual tl-mg. isaiu:, Uadeutine.-tlie jig is tip. Something is wrong.' We went through the work of examining the contents of the Bafe and found there was $3,400. He should have had in the safe $106,000. I toid Ballentine that was tte first intimation I had of anything wrong, and that we had better suspend criticism. 1 said we knew but little about the matter and that I wanted to go to tbe bank and see how much was there, thinking that perhaps Silcott had gone to tbe bank and deposited money to our credit. We closed up the sale and went to dinner, going back at 7 o'clock. We staid thereuntil 12 o'clock, but our minds were in no condition to deal in figures. Ballentine and I went away. At2:J0, having gone borne, I dressed myself and again went to the Capitol. Joe Dee, a policeman, was there and I asked him to go to my office. He asked me what the matter was and I told him I wanted to go over the bnoks and see if anything was wrong. That kept me from 3 until 5:30 o'clock, when I went to Representative Crisp's room at the Metropolitan hotel and told him tbe situation. I then went to Mr. White, cashier of the National Metropolitan bank, about 6 o'clock this morning.'' -The rest of the morning was consumed, according to Mr. Leedoui's statement, in calling on Mr. Carlisle, telegraphing to Mr. Felton, one of his bondsmen, and preparing a statement for Mr. Reed. The committee to investigate theser-geant-at-arms's office held a meeting at the Arlington hotel tonight and made arrangements to begin too investigation tomorrow morning in the public landscommittee-room. Investigation will be secret, for the present at least. The real name of Silcott's female companion is Louise Thiebault. She is a French Canadian, living in yuebec. Last Tuesday she told tbe woman of a bouse in which she had lived that Silcott bad asked her if she would come out and live with him after he. had got located in the West. She told him she would do so, but that she wanted to go home first. It is not believed that she knew of Siicott's "embezzlement, as she said nothing of it. ,fe MIcott's Home History. West Union. Dec. 5. (Special. Mr. C. E. Silcott, ceshierof tbe serjeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, was born in this, Adams county, about 52 years ago and has always resided in this county. He has been engaged in the mercantile" business for the post twenty years at Youngs-ville and has always had a good reputation as an honest and efficient business man throughout the country, it is a complete surprise and shock to the citizens wherever he is known. He has always enjoyed the confidence of his friends and neighbors and they would have trusted him to anything they had. He was appointed by Hon. J. P. Leedora as a partial reward for services to the Democratic party as a candidate for auditor of this county, in the race for which he almost bankrupted himself, but was defeated. Mrs. Silcott comes from on old Virginia family, which has always been considered among the best families of the country. Ed Silcott, as everybody calis him, has always been a genial neighbor and never turned his back on a friend in need, but has befriended many. His financial circumstances are not very good in this county at present and have not been for several years. How It Was Done. Circleviixe, O.. Dec. 5. Special. Mr. E. E. inship, cashier of the Second National bank, this city, who was Mr. Silcott's predecessor in the office of cashier of the sergeant-at-arms under Hon. John O. Thompson, was seen tonight concerning the defalcation. Explaining the methods or congressmen in drawing their salaries, he said : "The salaries of members of congress are drawn from the United States treasury by the sergeant-at-arms monthly upon the certificate or the clerk of the house during the vacation and by tbe speaker after one is ejected. Each certificate is also signed by the member and is for $417. Tbe salary is sent to each member by draft during tiie vacation if they request it, and when congress is in session tbe money is piaced to the credit of each member in the books of tne sergeant-at-arms and is subject to tbe check of the members. Silcott had access to it all. He was able at any time to embezzle thousands of dollars, as there was no check on his operations but his honesty.''Governor Hiil has refused to interfere in the case of John Oreenwald, under sentence of ucath in Brooklyn lor the murder of Lyman S. Weeks. HEWING TO THE LINE Senator Spooner Introduces a Bill Regarding the Conduct of , National Elections. Congress of Nations Proposed to Commemorate the Settlement of This Country. A Synopsis of a Number of Important Measures. Washington, Dec 5. Senator Spooler today introduced a bill declaring the chief supervisors of elections officers, of the circuit courts of the United States and charging them with the enforcement of the national election and naturalization laws, both, in person and through their subordinates the supervisors of election. It provides that wnenever a chief supervisor of election shall have received notice asking for the guarding or supervising of an election in any city having 20,000 inhabitants or upward, or wnenever the court shall be asked to permit an election to be scrutinized in any town having less that 20,0b0 people it sbail be tbe duty of the chief supervisor to prepare and present to the circuit court a petition setting forth the desire to have the election scrutinized, and a writ shall then be issued charging the supervisor and his subordinates with tbe duty of enforcing the United States election laws. This writ shali contain a warning to all persons, at their peril, neither to molest, hinder, assault, oelay, nor in any manner to interfere with tbe chief supervisor or any subordinate In the discharge of his duty. This writ is to be published at least twice before the day of election, in not exceeding two daily or weekly papers in the county in which is situated the place where the election is to be scrutinized. If at any federal election any person shall cause any breach of the peace, or use threats whereby any part of the election shall be impeded or hindered, or tbe lawful proceedings of the supervisors interfered with. he shall be liable to iustanl arrest and summary hearing as for contempt of court. Anv person found guilty may be punished by fine not exceeding 30u0 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both To Protect Onr heaports. Washington, Dec. 5. Senator Hale today introduced a bill to protect the rights and natural advantages of United States seaports and connecting railways. The bill provides that articles of merchandise grown and manufactured in the United Slates, and which are transported through any foreign country in bond for the purpose of reaching the United States, or for shipment to any foreign country, may enter the United States free of duty. Articles of merchandise manufactured in the United Slates and passing through Canada, may also pa.s again through the United States in bond free of duty, providing Buch articles are intended fur use in Canada, and not destined to foreign ports. Sucb ailicles, if transported across Canada and intended for foreign shipment, can not enter the United States free irom duty, except for transportation to u United States port for siiipmeiit abroad. Articles or merchandise grown or manufactureu iu any foreign country, if transported to Canada and then to the United States, are tubject to duty upon entering the United States. The bill also provides that if such articles are transported across the ocean and landed at a seaport of the United btate and through Canada in bund for the United States as a final destination, having paid duty at the seaport of the United Mates w li ere landed, are not subject to duty upon again entering the United States for final destination. , For the Relief of Samoan Sufferers. Washikgton, Dec. 5. Senator H&le today introduced a biil for the relief of tbe sufferers by the wreck of the United States men-of-war Trenton and Vandalia and the stranding of the Nipsic in the harbor of Apia, Samoa, last March, the bill provides that the survivors of tbe officers and crews of the wrecked vessels shall be paid a sum equal to the losses sustained by them: but in no case shall the compensation for such loss sustained exceed the amount of twelve months' sea pay of the grade occupied by the sufferer. In case of death the widow or children are to be entitled to the money, and the expense of the removal of the bodies already recovered shall be paid to the relatives. The bill also directs that the relatives of Pay Clerk H. D. Alexander, who died on board ihe Trenton while en route to Samoa, be compensated for bis personal effects lost by tne wreck. Also that the sum of $120 be given to Lieutenant J. C. Wilson, being the amount of public money stolen from him while going from the Samoan islands to Auckland to communicate to the Navy department tne news of the stranding of (he vessels. The bill authorizes the secretary of the navy to remove the remains of the lost officers buried at Samoa to the United States at the expense of the government, and to have them interred in the National cemetery at Mare island,' California.-Proposed Congress of Nations. Washihgtoic, Dec. 5. Senator Ingails to day introduced a bill to aid and secure the commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America. Tbe bill provides that the president shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, a commission consisting of two members from each state, of different political affiliations, two from the District of Columbia and one from each of the territories. The president is authorized to extend an invitation to all the American nationsand states, inviting ttlfeni to unite in celebrating the anniversary. Should Italy, tpain or other .European powers desire" to join m the celebration thuy shall be invited. Tbe bill provides that the commission shall meet in Washington after thirty days' notice and organize. It shall then secure a site, by purchase or otherwise, for the convocatiou of nations of an area not less than 300 acres of ground. The president snail apportion tbe land for the buildings of the various countries, each one to select its own style of architecture, ihe appropriations are as follows: F'or the purchase of grounds $o,UU0,000. for grading and clearing $1,500,-OtX. tor buildings of the United Stales $-500,000, for incidental expenses $1,000,000; total $8,000,000. Charges to be Investigated. Washington, Dec 5. A proceeding has been instituted before the inter-state commerce commission by the New York board of trade and transportation asainst the Pennsylvania Railroad company, the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne and Chicago and the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad companies. The complaint in this case alleges that since April 4, 1887; tbe defendants, in violation of tbe act to regulate commerce, have been guilty of unjust discrimination, in lhat they have been and are in the habit of charging their regular tariff rates upon property when delivered to them at New York and Philadelphia for transportation to Chicago and other Western points, while charging other persons rates much lower and' even as low as 50 per cent, thereof for like service, when the property is delivered to them at New York and Philadelphia by vessels and steamship lines under through bills of lading from all foreign points and foreign interior points, issued upon common arrangement between defendants and such vessel and steamship lines and foreign railroads for continuous carriage at joint rates from the point or port of shipment to Chicago and other Western points. The commission is asked to investigate. . Ko Irrigation deeded. Washington, Dec. 5. Secretary Rusk has received a report from the agricultural experiment station in southwest Kansas, near Garden City, announcing that it has been demonstrated that tbe arid lands of the West can be made itroductive without the aid of irrigation. Experiments at the station named have proved that tbe desert land unirrigated will produce plentiful supplies of grasses and forage plants, including sorghum,- and it is believed that wheat, corn and potatoes will grow equally as well. Only two things were necessary to accomplish these results first, the ground was pulverized deeply to make a bed for holding the water lhat fills in rain, and second, the planted surface was covered after the sowing of tbe first crop with juatted straw to keep theloau from blow-ing'away and with it the seed. Subsequent crops will require no straw for the reason that the matted roots will keep the dry earth from beingjbiown away by the high winds. The Administration Coming ITett. J. . Washington, Dec. 5. While it has not been definitely settled, it is probable that President and Mrs. Harrison and Private Secretarv Halford will leave here tomorrow evening for Chicago to attend the opening Of the auditorium. The vice president and Mrs. Morton, accompanied by their niece, Mrs. Sands, and Jdr. Chilton, the vice president's private secretary, will leave Wosh-ir.gton for Chicago tomorrow evening on Proident Ingalls's CBrover the Chesapeake and Ohio ranruad and the Chicago, Cincinnati. Cleveland and St. Louis railroad. Ohio Postmasters. Washington, Dec. 5. Fourth-class postmasters were appointed for Ohio today as foltows: H. Uolboth, Bloom Center, Logan county ; A. Z. Converse, Carroll, Fairfield county ; John Haas, Catawba, Clark county; James Jameson, Gahanna, Franklin county ; Miss Neliie Atkinson, Pekiu, Warren county;. L. H. Randolph, Reho both, Perry county, i ltecesit Appointments. Washington, Dec. 5. The president today sent to the senate several hundred nominations of persons appointed to office during the recess of congress. They were in the Departments of Slate, Justice, Interior, War and .uvy. Ordered discharged. Washington, Dec. 5. By direction of the secretary of war, Recruit James Manning, general service, now supposed to be at Columbus barracks, having enlisted under fajse pretenses, is discharged from the service of the United States. ISold to the Department. Washington, Dec, 5. Ponds to the value ipf $1,000,000 were sold to the Treasury department today by National bank depositaries. '1 his is in addition to the regular bond purchases. All Accepted.,' Washington, Dec. 5. Today's bond offerings were as follows : Coupon 4s, $100; registered 4s, $507,:i00 at 127; qoupon 4Js, $2t:50 at lo4;-s ; registered 4)8, $377,000 at All accepted. ' linin Xtecoyerft. Washington, Dec. 5. Secretary Blaine, having recovered from his recent attack of lumbago, resumed his duties at the State department today, j,yiUyk'iTit tonereif First Session. ' r. '-: ST-V-i. - ' Washington, Dec 5. AmoVigthe numer-' ous memorials and petitions presented was one sijinea by 1). K. Weoster, asking that the national title bechanged to tuatof ''the United States of Columbia." Among the bills introduced and referred were the following: fly Mr. Coke To limit the jurisdiction of the'circint and district courts of the United btates. By Mr. Beck For the retirement of United States legal tender and nalionul bank notes of small denominations and the issue of coin certificates in fieu of gold and silver certificates. Also to repeal the laws relating to the siniting fund. liy Mr. Blair Proposing a constitutional amendment to comer oil the District of Columbia representation in both bouses of congress ond iji the electors! college; to amend the naturalization laws; to give the right of trial by jury to claimants for pension.By Mr. Ingails To aid and secure the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. By Mr. Kdmunds To amend the laws relating to the removal of cases from state cVurts to United States courts. Mr. Voorbeesotlered a long preamble and resolution in reference to tariff taxation, which he asked to have laid upon the table for the present. It declared that all existing tariff' taxes on foreign merchandise should be so revised, repealed or amended as to provide: First For the collection of a sufficient amount of revenue to pay the expenses of the government, economics .ly administered ; the principal and interest of the public debt as they fail due, and liberal pensions, but not a dollar more. Second For the "taxation of all artteles of luxury at the highest practicable rates, and for the reduction cf taxes on all necessaries of civilized life, such as salt, sugar, woolen goods, iron, steel and other stapie commodities, to tiie lowest possible rates consistent with a tariff for revenue and lor nothing but revenue. Third For the curtailment and overthrow, as fur as possible, of all monopolies in trade by the enlargement of the free list to the full extent that the same can be done without impairing and endangering the necessary revenues of the government, having in view at all times and under all circumstances, a liberal poiicy of trade with the people of foreign countries, and the establishment of equal and exact justice amongst our own citizens, with exclusive privileges to none. Mr. Yoorhees will herearter call up tbe resolution ana address toe senate upon it. Mr. Plumb oiiered a resolution, which was agreed to, calling on the secretary of the treasury for a statement as .to whether employes in the office of the sub-treasurer at New York have given as security for the performance of their public dutiesjthe bond of a foreign corporation ; whether such security has been taken by the direction or under the advice of the assistant treasurer; and, if so, what reasons operated to secure such preference for a foreign corporation. Mr. Chandler offered a resolution, which was agteed to, calling on the secretary of tbe nuvy for a list of the rear admirals and commodores now on the active list, with a statement as to their present duties, their pay, services, etc. Mr. Reagau proceeded to address the senate in explanation and advocacy of a bill introduced by him yesterday for the repeal of so much of the Utird section of the act of 1875 as provides for the sale of bonds, so as to produce a reserve fur the redemption of legal-tender notes. Mr. Moody (S. Dak.), introduced a bill to prohibit officers and agents of the government from requiring payment of special taxes under the internal reveuue laws for tbe manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors m states where such manufacture or sale is prohibited by the state constitution. Referred. The vice president having informed the senate that he would be absent from the citv two or three days next week, Mr. Ingails was elected as presiuent pro tempore during the absence of the vice president. Tne senate then adjourned till Monaay. HOUSE. . The speaker laid before the house the following communication from J. P. Leedom, late sergeant-at-arms of -"he house, directed to the speaker. "1 regret to report lhat C. E. Silcott, late cashier of the office of thesergeant-at-arms. has departed from this city without settling his accounts, and I have leen unable to ascertain his whereaboats. and Continued on second page.- WITH A HEAVY HAND Will the Government Smite All Who Infringe Upon the Electiou Laws, And Witnesses Will be Protected to Any Extent When They are Called Into Court. Some Pointed Eemarks of Attorney General Miller. Washington, Dec. 5. The annual report of Attorney General Miller was made public today. During the year 2287 civil suits ahd 1-1,538 criminal prosecutions were terminated, and there are pending 2950 of the former and 7S12 of the laimr class. Mr. Miller recommends that provision be made for a United States penitentiary and a United States reformatory, the latter being intended for the confinement of the milder class of criminals. It is also urged that a prison bureau be established in thJcDepartment ot Justice, where could be gathered, collated and recorded in a permanent form the criminal statistics of the United States. In a chapter on law business he says: "Very soon after the 4th of March last it was brought to my attention . that at the then recent congresnional'elections there were very numerous and far-reaching violations of the federal law 6 relating to such elections. It was charged that, by intimidation of voters, by seizing and destroying ballot-boxes, by substitution of lalse ballots, by false returns, by btiberv of voters and election officers, and by various other means we.l known to those engaged in this nefarious business, the popular will was stifled and falsitiea and returns obtained wholly at variance with what would have been the result of a free and fair vote honestly counted. In every case where such charges were brought to tbe attention of this department instructions were given to the district attorneys to investigate and prosecute to heir utuiost power every person implicated in such violations of federal laws, and I am happy to be able to report that, in a number of states, such prosecutions have been successful. A large number of indictments have been returned; upon some of them trials have been had; in a number of esses convictions have been obtained, and in some cases the culprits have pleaded guilty and asked for mercy at the hands of the court. A large number of these cases are still pending and the instructions to the district attorneys are still to puh them to the end. It is proper to (ay that in some cases that euorls bave Deen maue. some oi tnem very recently, to prevent and cripple these urosecutioiis by attempts to intimidate the marshal from serving processes and witnesses from giving tiieir testimony; such intimidation going to the extent of actual assassination. But it must not be supposed thut hostility to the Unitea States courts and its officers is confined to electiou matters. On the contrary the records of the Denartment of Justice show that in some districts the evils of this court and criminal prosecutions wholly disconnected with the elective franchise can not proceed, because tbe livxs of ...no lessary xriiQecs-..tra in sucli danger that it would he simply inhuman to enforce their attendance and the giving their testimony; while the evidence is abundant that in certain cases at tendance is dangerous upon iaithful per formance ot marshals, in every case tne instructions to prosecute have been coupled with tne assurance that no means within the power of this department will be soared to protect officers and witnesses in the discharge ot their duties and to bring punishment to every man wno illegally attempts to thwart such prosecutions." The attorney general speaks oi the importance of some changes in the judicial system which will enable the courts, and especially the supreme court, to dispose of accumulated business, ana in tins connection calls particular attention to the "Davis biil," which was luiiy set forth in the report of his predecessor for 1S85. The attorney general calls attention to the fact that the court in Oklahoma, the court in the Western district of Arkansas, and the court recently provided for at Paris, Tex., require an expenaiture of money, in the payment of witnesses, that very largely depletes the appropriations made by congress for that purpose, and he says llial the demands of these three courts are such that if they are met tbe result will be a very large neficien-cv, or else the courts in other disiricts will be obliged to stop for want of funds. In view of these facts the estimates for the payment of witnesses, for tbe next year, has been made in the sum of $1,000,000, instead of $IM),000, appropriated lor the current year. ' DISAuIlLtlSG ON CltEEDS. A Lively Time in Congregational Con-TentfonMilwaukee, Dec. 5. By a vote of 16 to 13 the Wisconsin Congregational convention, in session at Kaukeauna, today convicted Rev. E. H. Smith of Oshkosh of heresy. The charges were that bis belief and teaching were not in harmony with Congregational belief. The effect of the vote is to disfeliovship Mr. Smith, and the action will probably cause a split iii the convention. Three voung men. Revs. Miller, Loomis and Reed, made application for admission to the convention. When asked by the committee on credentials if they assented to the burial, will and other creeds, said they did substantially, but denied the request of this convention to require sucn an assent as a basis of their aumission. The discussion waxed warm at times. Loomis and Miller were finally admitted, but Rev. Reed of Sheboygan was reiused fellowship on a vote of 14 to 11. NATIONAL LIVE-STOCK tXCHANGE. A Number of Resolutions Introduced A Division of Commission. Chicago, Dec. 5. The national live-stock exchange held its final session this morning. Delegate Stiles of Kansas City was chairman. Resolutions asking the repeal of tbe oleomargarine bill by congress and touching on the matter of Texas fever were introduced and referred to the executive committee for action, as was also the resolution introduced yesterday regarding the leasing of cars to individuals by the railroad companies. There was considerable of a squabble over tbe matter of a division of commissions, the South and West fighting Chicago on tbe question. Nothing definite was decided on, and the matter was taken up by tbe executive committee this afternoon. Six members were added to the executive committee, one from each exchange. THKY HATMi'T THE POWER To Consolidate, but Mill Likely Secnre It Jiefore Adjournment. St. Louts, Dec. 5. The farmers and laborers' convention met again this morning, but as no committees were ready to report no regular business was transacted. Several speeches of a general character were made, however, and the time seemed to pass pleasantly. The Farmers' alliance beld a session at the Planters' house this morning, at which Mr. Powderly and other Knights of Labor were present and made speeches, but no business was done, the joint committee on consolidation not being ready to report. Referring the probability of consolida tion between the two alliances. North and South, Mr, Clowse of tbe alliance said: "The idea as near as I can give it to you Is this. Here is the Plan in a nutshell The committee will draw up a series of resolutions, tne substance ot wnicn win oe as lollows : "The Farmers' alliance will consolidate with the Farmers and Laborers union when two-thirds of the number of states represented by the alliance agree to do so. The reason that definite action is not taken now by tbe delegates, that is, why thpy don't vote either for or against it, is because of their limited power. They only have the power to suggest things to the alliances represented by them. When this new constitution, which will be drawn up by the delegates here before adjourning, is ratified by two-thirds of the . states having alliances, than the consolidation will be eti.-cted. There are only nine states in question, and live ol them have already expressed a wish to 10m the rarnicrt and Laborers union We only want one more state, and we may get tins beiore adjourning Hum St. Lou., The delegates here all want a consolidation. but have not the requisite power. "The alliance will probab'v tlret lie officers to continue the work, but this ill be only temporary. The two organizations win undoubtedly be consolidated beiore a montu. At a meeting beld by the business agents of the Farmers and Laborers' union it was decided to have the headquarters of the business arents iu .New loiK, so as facilitate tne Catherine of reports and statistics. Mr. J. B. Dines of Missouri was elected president and Mr. Oswald V ileoti of Isew xork secretary. This bas proven a busy day in the "next revolution, as begun t v the Fanners and Laborers' Union of America, resulting practically in the combination of the mid dle clasnes, with 4,uou,000 voters in tne ranks. A secret conference between Master AVorkmau Powuvrlv of the Knights of l.a. bor and Lvan Jones, president of the Farmers and Luborer' union, last night. which lasted until an early hour tins morn itig, resulted in a thorough understanding being reached, and today President Jones said tliat confederation was now au eMail lished fact, while Master Workman l ow- deriy admitted that there was much truth in what Mr. Jones said. During the day General J. It. Weaver of Iowa, the famous Greeubacker, arrived and was next to Powderly the lion of the hour. All were jubilant save the lew farmers who think tbe indorsement of the Henry George land doctrine debars theiu from full fellowship with farmers. At the afternoon session, the commit tecs not being ready to report. Master Workman l'owaeriy delivered an auuresa, lie was enthusiastically greeted. Mr, Powderly paid attention to the laud ques tion, railroad transportation, tbe loriua tion of the Knights of Labor and the present and future hopes of the order lie related how tne Kuights had attempt ed to iuii a co-operative coal mine in In diana, in which iliey were thwarted by the railroads, and dwelt at length upon the advantages of confederation of the mid 'le classes. General J. li. Weaver cf Iowa fclso addressed the convention. The committees will report at tomorrow morning's session. I ACTION OF WOOL-GKOWEIiS, They Go to fee Secretary Windom About the linty on Ring Waste 'l hat Official Promises to Look After the Butter. Wabhihotos, Dec. 5. At thewool-growers' 'lim vention tod y ihe .N a.tional Wool- growers' association of the United States was reorganized by the adoption of a constitution and the election of the following olliceis to serve one year: Hon. Columbus Delano of Ohio president, Hon. J. T. Rich of Michigan vice president. C. H. Beali of W est V lrgiuia treasurer, Vteorge li. vt anace of Missouri secretary and ilavis enilt of ew ork assistant secretary, r,. y. busell of Vermont, W. L. Black of Texas and John McDowell of Pennsylvania were elected to act with the officers of tbe asso-ociation as an executive board. The committee appointed to draft an address to the wool-grow erB of tbe United Stales having reported to tbe convention that it required additional time iu which to prepare tbe ad dress, a resolution was iiurouuceu and adopted granting further time and authorizing- the executive board to revise and publish the same at its earliest convenience. All matters pertaining to legislation was. by resolution, reterrerl to a committee to be hereafter designated by the president. One of the principal subjects of discussion today was the unuevuluation of so-caiied ring waste. It was shown that during the last year the importation of this so-called waste equaled the entire wool clip of either Ohio or lexas; that it is superior for nearly all wool manufacturing purposes to the finest scoured wool iu this country, and yet, it was said, it paid a duty of only 10 cents a pound, when it should have Daid. upon a proper and just classifi cation, from 30 to 00 cents per pound. It is stated that last year about 24.000,0u0 pounds of this wool w as imported, principally lrom Bradford, England, and sold iu the markets of this country at from 02 to 65 cents a pound, while, in the same mar kets, tine scoured Calitornia wool sold at 55 cents per pound. Quotation from the Pbiladelpuia market were reau in support of this assertion. It was also stated that this fine grade wool was manipulated by machinery before shipment, especially constructed to coil it into small rings in imitation of waste for the sole purpose ot evading tne law anu avoiding the payment of just customs dnties. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Law rence, McDowell, Harpster. Cossiit and Wallace, waited upon Secretary Windom this afternoon, and protested against the admission of tbis so-called waste at a rate less than is chnrged upon v. ool scheduled as partly manufactured wool. The secretary stated to the committee that be was then eneaeed in a thorough investigation of this subject, and he assured them that full iustice would be done tbe wool-grow- ine interests of tbe C nited States, ihe next annual meeting of tne ant-ociaiion will be held in Chicago on tne second Wednesday in June next. The convention adjourned until tomorrow. A FAIK OF FKACDS Are Picked Up at Wheeling Working; an Old Ilacket. Pittsburo, Dec. 5. Tonight a. stranger representing .himself at one time to be George B. Brooks, traveling correspondent of the Detroit Free Press, and at another as J. Franklin Howe, special correspondent of tbe New York Associated Press, was arrested and jailed at Wheeling, W. Va., for attempting to obtain money tinder false pretenses Dy swindling hotel-keepers. He registered at the Windsor as Brooks and at the McLure bouse as Howe. At the latter house he sent in a big envelope by boy addressed to himself and marked "Pay 121." He had previously void the clerk that be expected a batcti of Associated Press matter and to pay the charges, i he envelope contained lour sheets of blank paper. CANTOS SENSATION. ' , Arrest of a Physician and Voung; Man tor AittmpiM ADomoi. Cktok. O.. Dec. 6. Special. 1 Richard V. Bortz and Dr. Edwin L. Walker, a well- known physician, were arrested this afternoon, charged with attempting to commit abortion upon Miss Florence Longebach, whom Bortz had enticed into a bouse of iil.friM aftar ruininir her. Both held to the grand jury in tiooo bail. X tie anair createu finite a sensation - li. w . T l ously denies any participation iu the aflair. LAST OF HIS EAGE. Jefferson Davis. Ex-President of tbe Lato Confederacy, Passes Peacefully Away. Tiie Man Without a Country, Whose Memory is Execrated by All Loyal Mer, Goes to Bis Eeward, and There Will be Wreaths of Koscniary "That's for Keniembrance," In All the Sunny Southland, from the Everglades of Florida to Banks of the Potomac The Idol of the Southern People, Who Led Tlit'in in the War Against the Union, Lives to See an Undivided Country, with One Flair from Ocean to Ocean, And the Glorious Union That He Tried to Destroy Leading: the Nations of the Earth. The Confederate Statesman, a Monument of Mercy, Allowed to Die Amou? Friends, . Surrounded by Those Who Were En shrined in Bis Memory. .-,v.,ty.-".' ' '4. . . Nkw Om.EANM. Dec. 6. At 12:45 o'clock this morning Hon. Jefferson Davis, ex-president of the Confederate fi'tates, died at the residence of his life-long friend, J. U. Payne. s From the beginning of his fatal illness ' Mr. Davis had insisted that his case was nearly or quite hopeless, though the dread of pain or fear of death never appeared to take the slightest hold upon Ins spirit, which were brave and even buoyant from the beginning of his attack. In vain did the doctors strive to Imprest upon him that his health was improving, lie steadily insisted that there was no improvement, but with Christian resignation he was content to accept whatever Providence bad in store for him. Only once did he waver in his belief that his case showed no improvement, and that was at an early hour yesterday morning, when be playfully remarked to Mr. Payne: "1 am afraid that I shall be compelled to agree with tbe doctors for once and admit that I am g little better." All day long the favorable symptoms continued and late in the afternoon, as late as 4 o'clock, Mrs. Davis sent such a cheering message to Mrs. Stamps and Mr. ana Mrs. Farrar lhat they decided for tbe first time since Mr. Davis has been taken ill to attend the French opera. At 6 o'clock last evening, without any assignable cause, Mr. Davis was seized with a congestive chill which seemed to absolutely crush the vitality out of his already enfeebled body. Ho" weak was Mr. Davis that the violence of the assault soon subsided for lack of vitality upon which to prey. I rum that moment to the moment of hi death the history of his case was that of a gradual sinking. At 7 o'clock Mrs. Davis administered some medicine, but the ex-president declined to receive the hole dose, bhe urged upon him tbe necessity of taking tbe remainder, but putting it aside, vuih the gentlest of gestures he whispered, "Prav excuse me." These were his last worus. Gradually he grew weaker and weaker, but never for an instant seemed to lose consciousness. Lying peacefully upon his bed and without a Usee of pain in his look he remained ior hours. .Mlently clasping and tenderlv caressing his wile's band, with undaunted Christian spirit he awaited the end. From the moment of the dread assault of the coneestive chill those gathered around bis bedside, who had been watching and noting with painful interest every chance of symnloui tor the past month, knew well that the dread meiaeu-eer was even at the door. About lU:30o'clock Associate J ustice Fenner went to the French opera-house to cull to Mr. Davis's bedside Mrs. Farrar and Mrs. stamps. As soon as the messnne reached them they burned to the be isideof tbe dying ex-preaident. Bv 11 ;:w o'clock there mere resembled in tht'dcatli chamber Mrs. Davis, lrs. I hsille and isickiiam, Associate justice aim .Mrs. Fenner. Miss 2anme Mimii (grand mere of the dying ex-presidenll. and .Mr. and Mm. K. 11. Farrar. Finding that Mr. l'avis was breathing somewhat heavily as he lay upon Ins back the doctors a.satcd him to turn upon his right side. With his check resting upon hi right hand like a sleeping iiilmit and&with his hit hanj drooping across his chest he lay for some In teen minutes, breathing softly but faintly. Mora and more leehle became bis respirations till thev passed into snence, and then the watchers knew thai the silver cord had bun loosed and the golden bowl broken. The father ot the Confederacy had passed way. Jeflerson Davis was born in Christiana omitv. Kv.. June 3. Durins; his childhood his father removed to the Mate of Mississippi, lie graduated from the Weal Point Military academjr in Is. au4 M' s t i i c